Thirteen adult students graduated from the Medical Assistant, Medical Office Specialist, and Expanded Function Dental Assistant diploma programs at the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center (GACTC) on August 4.

The students earned more than $114,000 in grant funding to complete their programs. The six Medical Assistant and one Medical Office Specialist students completed a minimum of 200 hours each of clinical experience at local medical facilities, including rotations in phlebotomy and EKG for the Medical Assistant students. The six Expanded Function Dental Assistant students each completed more than 480 hours of clinical experience at more than 10 dental offices in the region.

All of the Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDA) earned a certification from OSHA and their radiology licenses within Pennsylvania. The students also completed the Infection Control certification exam. The students may take the licensure exam to become a licensed EFDA within Pennsylvania at the completion of the program.

The Medical Office Specialist graduate earned certifications as a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant and in OSHA. The Medical Assistant graduates earned certifications in OSHA and as Phlebotomy Technicians. The students may take the certification exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants, and additional certifications including EKG Technician and Billing and Coding Specialist, at the completion of the program.

The graduation celebration was held at the GACTC.

Pictured above are the Medical Assistant and Medical Office Specialist graduates. Pictured 1st row, left to right: Lydia Dupont, Sarah Murphy, Susie Mock, Heather Jenkins; 2nd row, left to right: Julie Patosky, Continuing Education Coordinator, Bailey Robles, Taylor Barkman, Jamie Zurenko, program coordinator and faculty. Missing from photo: Addison Denz.

Pictured above are the Expanded Function Dental Assistant graduates. Pictured, left to right: Julie Patosky, Continuing Education Coordinator, Taylor Rankin, Morgan Keith, Xavier Smith, Haylee Sheaffer, Kaylie McMullen, Jamie Hershey, program coordinator and faculty. Missing from photo: Ava Frey.

The GACTC is enrolling now for these programs, which offer the ability to earn valuable industry certifications. Each program can be completed in about one year.

For more information about the GACTC, please call 814-941-TECH.